Cockermouth Beer Festival has been organised and staffed since 1998 by volunteer members from the West Cumbria branch of CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale. It is held in the Kirkgate Centre over a weekend in December, and features traditional cask ales from a variety of local and not so local sources. From 2004, the festival is being run by the Cockermouth Round Table.

We are fortunate that Cumbria has not only the Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, but several microbreweries, many based in single outlet pubs.

Tickets for the event must be bought in advance from the Bitter End, next door to the Kirkgate Centre.
In 2010 also note Loweswater Beer Festival 23 to 25 April 2010 Over 20 real ales. Tickets £5 with entry to marquee, glass and free first half pint. Sessions are Friday 6 to 11, Saturday 12 to 5 and 6 to 11, and Sunday 12 to 5. Probably Friday
Blackbeck Beer Festival, 8th, 9th May - Friday or Sat afternoon
The Strands, Nether Wasdale, Beer Festival: Saturday 15th afternoon

Pic (left) The mayor Derwent Newton pulls the first pint at the 2002 Beer Festival.